Sir: The temperature in Karachi most other areas of Sindh has been rising continuously since last week. It now falls between 40o-44oC on average, which is not bearable for the citizens of Sindh. A lot of people who like to engage in certain specific good deeds during Ramzan are not able to do so this year because of the temperature. Here I would like to share some precautionary measures my fellow citizens can take against this blazing heat. Everyone is advised to take precautions to avoid heatstroke while venturing outdoors. During the heatwave your health can deteriorate rapidly, so certain precautionary measures must be taken to reduce health risks. Keep yourself hydrated and drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. Refresh yourself often, take a bath or shower daily. Hydrate your skin with a wet towel several times a day spend most of your time in a shadow or under a tree or a fan. Protect yourself from heat, limit strenuous exercise and outdoor activities, and go outside only if it is mandatory. Plan outdoor activities before 10 am and after 3 p.m. when the heat is less intense. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-coloured clothing. Avoid dark colours because they absorb the sun’s rays more efficiently. When the temperature is high, only wear appropriate footwear. Hot weather can damage your feet and increase body temperature. Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even with windows rolled down. The car will become a hot furnace in no time and lead to severe problems. Eat small meals, but often and avoid overeating. Avoid foods that are very spicy and high in protein, because they increase metabolic heat. Run cold water over your wrist for five seconds every now and then. It will help cool the blood in the main vein and also prevent you from getting a fever. Sleep on a feather or down pillow with a cotton pillowcase, synthetic pillows retain heat. Replace your usual body moisturizer with cooling Aloe-Vera gel after sun products. Try to leave some space in your petrol tanks because it will need room because of the added pressure caused by the heat. Try to eat fruits like watermelon and melon and greens like cucumber during Sehr and Iftaar. They have a juicy texture and they protect you from dehydration during Ramzan and the summers. Safety first, because your life is more important than any other thing. ANUM AFZAL Karachi Published in Daily Times, May 25th 2018.